DIY: Two-Tone Jeans

Are you ready for the biggest jean trend of the Fall? Seen on Kendall, Kylie and Bella, Two-Tone Jeans are the next big thing in ‘off-duty’ fashion, and brands like Vetements and Frame are selling pairs for over $200. Avoid the whopping price tag and make some yourself by utilizing 2 pairs of old jeans or finding two more affordable pairs at Old Navy or the Gap for a fraction of the cost, and get 2 times the look!

What you Need:

1.2 Pairs of similar cut pairs of jeans in different washes. Preferably these jeans are not super skin-tight around the waist and hips, as you will lose about 1/4 of an inch through these areas when you cut.

2. Scissors

3. Pins

4. Ruler or yardstick

5. Sewing machine (not pictured)

Step 1: Decide what your ‘outside’ pant color will be and start with that pair. Use your ruler to mark down the center of each leg, finishing at the waist just to the outside of the front belt loops (or another set point on your pants). There will be a lot of fabric to cut through here, so move the pocket bags to the side and try your best to cut as close to the loops as possible.

Step 2: Cut 1/4″ to the inside of your pin demarcation to allow for a bit of seam allowance when sewing. Towards the waist it will be tight but even a smaller amount will be useful when sewing.

Step 3: Open up the jeans and perform a similar measurement on the back side of the jeans. I suggest aligning your cut about 1/4″ to the inside of the bottom point of the pockets, which will allow the two pieces to line up perfectly when sewn.

Step 4: Repeat steps 1 and 2 on the second pair, however this time cutting to the OUTSIDE of your pins, to allow for a bit of overlap when sewing together.

Step 5: Again, repeat step 3 on this pair cutting to the outside of the pins.

Step 6: Pin the center and side panels together to ensure everything matches up perfectly.

Step 7: Once pinned, cut the hem of the panels at different lengths (if preferred) to give a more casual, haphazard look.

Step 8: Sew the panels together using a heavy needle and stitch. You can sew 2 lines of stitching if you’re machine does not have a cover stitch, but anything strong will do.

All done! I was about to throw 2 pairs of jeans out and instead came up with another pair of Two-Tone Jeans that I am obsessed with! Hopefully this inspires you to repurpose and upcycle some items in your closet. If you don’t have a sewing machine, try taking 2 pairs to a dry cleaner/seamstress- you will still save money and have a way cooler pair of jeans to rock!